I received my first Toothpick today and as usual, when it comes to a new knife, particularly one that is a new pattern, I like to give some thoughts on it.
The Toothpick pattern is one that has rarely caught my interest. It isn't that I find the knife unattractive, I just am not generally drawn to knives with slender profiles and too many curves. I find beauty in subtle simplicity and I think the Toothpick is anything but that. I initially was going to take a pass on GEC's current production of these but the cover/shield options, favorable opinions of other folks, and the simple fact that I am still into trying new things, I decided to take the plunge.
This first example is with Che Chen Rosewood covers, brushed nickel bolsters, and a serpentine shield.
- Fit and Finish: Another remarkable knife from GEC. Their last few production runs (85s excepted...) have been notably consistent in terrific fit and finish. Seamless transitions, excellent inlet of the shield, perfect blade centering, it is pretty hard for me to find any issues here. Very well done.
- Walk & Talk/Pull: This knife has no half stop and so I was a little concerned that the pull would be on the lighter side. I am rather surprised and quite pleased to say that the pull is pretty darn perfect and the snap to both open and closed positions is quite satisfying and this is before any sort of flushing has occurred! Bearing in mind that pull weights are subjective, I'd rate this at about a 6, maybe closer to a 7. Very satisfactory, hard to imagine that it could be better.
- Covers: Che Chen Rosewood is, in my opinion, a rather unremarkable wood. It is not displeasing but neither does it elicit any sense of wonder or awe like other more exotic woods. So I was not expecting anything spectacular, just good straight grained, utilitarian wood. The wood I received is quite good, all things considering. The brushed finish on the bolsters and shield do a significant disservice to an already relatively plain wood but this can easily be remedied with a bit of polish. I imagine with some good use and exposure, the wood will darken rather nicely as well.
- Shield: I was very pleased to find that GEC was not using the hotdog shield on this run. I think the serpentine is a nice change and suits the lines of the knife rather well.
- Blade: As mentioned above, a perfectly centered muskrat (turkish?) clip blade that is executed very well in its grinds, suitably sharp out of the tube, and not featuring a proud tip.
My overall impressions of this knife are positive. I am still getting a feel for the pattern but so far, it feels good in the hand, I find it to be an excellent size, and I suspect that it will make an effective user. Really though, brushed metal and speculation regarding the pattern aside, this is a pretty darn perfect knife from GEC. I think they did a fabulous job. I am very much looking forward to the other variations, especially the Stag.
Enough of the yapping, here are some pictures:
And, of course, the parting glamour shot:
Great write up! and incredible knife!
I had absolutely no plans to get a #12 but this is making me second guess that. Maybe I'll try to get one at the Rendezvous.
I totally agree this run of 12's has been really well done thus far and this Rosewood version will look better with age.
